Cats are Part of the Family Business for Artist Deborah Julian

Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: February 1, 2023 by Crystal Uys

Deborah Julian has lived and worked in New York City for over twenty years, working as a photographer, innovative artist and art gallery director. She graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with honors and a degree in Art History. For the last ten years, she has been the director of a fine arts gallery in Manhattan and has continued to sell and exhibit her photographs.

Art and photography were Deborah’s primary passions for many years—until her heart was captured by a smart, funny cat named George. It was love at first sight from the moment they saw each other at the Humane Society of New York. She has since adopted two other terrific cats, Billy and Sammy. Her cats have become part of her art work as she creates colorful, whimsical images.

“I’m so lucky to share my life with cats,” says Deborah. “They have changed the direction of my artistic career as they have inspired my cat art.” Deborah’s images are based on her three cats’ delightful antics – but these boys are more than just muses. “I can honestly say they are actively involved in everything I create,” explains Deborah. “As I prepare for Christmas, my cats are particularly captivated by my hand decorated wooden Keepsake Boxes. Is it because they are proud to be included in the art on the boxes…or is it that paint, glue and cat fur were meant to go together?” laughs Deborah.

As you can see from the photo above, Billy has appointed himself head of quality control and tirelessly inspects everything Deborah makes. “Anyone who purchases my wooden Keepsake Boxes can rest assured that every single box has been thoroughly CAT scanned!”

Sam, on the other hand, has a talent for technical support, especially when it comes to Deborah’s 8 color printer. She frequently hears the sound of the printer turning on, then spitting out paper- which usually means that Sam has walked across the printer controls. “I think he’s just checking to see if everything is working,” says Deborah.

George, of course, is the inspiration behind all of Deborah’s work.

“My business really is a family business,” says Deborah. “Santa has elves, I have cats.” This thought was the inspiration behind Deborah’s Holiday Card “Why Santa Doesn’t Have Cats”.

Husband and writer David Stone is part of the business too. “He is particularly good at manning my booth at craft fairs, and also at removing a cat who has just jumped up on my work table and landed in between several gushing tubes of paint.”

You can find Deborah’s beautiful creations in her Etsy Shop, and, from December 3 through December 24, at the Columbus Circle  Holiday Market in New York City. I’m very excited to be a guest at Deborah’s booth at the market on December 11!

About the author

Ingrid King

Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.